Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 3:28:13-3:31:19

How 28-knot Queen Elizabeths change the Bismarck hunt

A fully modernized 28-knot Queen Elizabeth class gives Britain a much larger fast-battleship pool and could place a second battleship alongside Prince of Wales against Bismarck.

Battle Of The Denmark StraitFast BattleshipsGerman Battleship BismarckHMS HoodHMS Prince Of WalesQueen Elizabeth Class BattleshipsRoyal Navy
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Question

Could 28-knot Queen Elizabeth-class battleships put Warspite or a sister at Denmark Strait?

Short answer

Yes. Their speed and likely modernization would greatly enlarge Britain's fast-battleship pool and could add another battleship to the force facing Bismarck.

Notes

If all five Queen Elizabeths retained 28 knots, their value would justify more extensive modernization and keep them available for fast operational groups. Britain would draw from six to eight fast battleships rather than relying on only the newest King George V-class ships and three battlecruisers. One Queen Elizabeth-class ship could therefore accompany Prince of Wales and Hood at Denmark Strait. The two battleships might form the main pair while Hood attacked from another direction instead of sailing in one line. More broadly, the larger pool could make German leaders reconsider the risk of Atlantic sorties before the battle occurred.